A mighty fortress is our God

Sunday, October 30th, 2005 | Hurricane Katrina

lakeshoreroadwalk

I preached Psalm 46 today. Although the building we used to call our “church sanctuary” lies in ruins, we know that God, our sanctuary, our strong shelter, our mighty fortress, never crumbles.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

- Martin Luther, 1529

5 Comments to A mighty fortress is our God

Marlyn Brokenshire
10/31/2005

Pastor Don,
Your total dependence on God appears to come from a deep personal relationship with our Master. But even if it’s the result of “no other choice” it continues to speak to my heart of the example you present to seekers of hope, which must include all who come via Quonset Hut services and websites. God is using you as a lighthouse in these days of darkness and despair. And it’s contagious!
May He continue to renew you daily so your’ll have some left for Courney and the kids too.
Hugs and Blessings,
Marlyn Brokenshire
Yorba Linda, CA

Nathan White
10/31/2005

Don,

This hymn is one of my favorites. Over the past few weeks I have been reminded of it again and again while praying for your congregation. Thanks for sharing it with us. It also fits in nicely with the celebration of Reformation Day.

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Amen!

Janie Johnson
11/2/2005

I am the wife of Pastor Randy Johnson. We came over from Mobile and brought a trailer load of food and supplies, and also a load of diapers and women’s supplies. Hope it was a help. You were not there at the time and I called on the way back. Let us know how we can help. In Him, Janie

Hank
11/7/2005

Pastor Don
I have spent the weekend giving presentations of our trip to Lakeshore. The people have been left speechless as to the devastation(s) as well as the resiliency of your fellowship. I wanted to personally thank you for your service. God has most certainly called you to a high calling and will bless you with Himself in a special way for it. I closed each presentation with Job 37 1-13 with emphasis on verse 13 asking how can God be showing His covenant love to His own through the midst of death and destruction. Just as Paul, David, and Job can attest too, and bask in, the sovereignty of God in their times, you my friend are living proof in our time. It is my prayer that the Lord will bring us back to Lakeshore upon His leading. Thank you and may the Lord richly bless you in all things.
Hank

Debbie
12/30/2005

I love this hymn. Much truth in it.
No matter what Satan tries, God always wins and you and your family are on God’s side!
The victory is assured! Stay strong.

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